Japanese astronaut wants to photograph blooming sakura from ISS
BAIKONUR. Nov 1 (Interfax) - Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata will be responsible for high-technology experiments abroad the International Space Station.
"We will work with a Japanese robot that will become an aide for the crew, or even fulfill independent missions. Japan is carrying out a large number of experiments to grow materials in zero-gravity conditions. I will do this work, as well," the Japanese astronaut told an Interfax correspondent at Baikonur on Friday.
He also said that he would like to photograph a blooming sakura garden from space.
"Our family, like most Japanese families, has the tradition to watch sakuras in blossom. During my previous long-duration flight I tried to get a good look at Japan at a time when sakuras were in blossom. But no blooming trees could be seen," he said.
"Our cameras will be more advanced this time. Perhaps, we will be luckier in spring 2014 and take photos of sakuras in blossom," Wakata said.
He said each crewmember has his personal individual menu.
"I have been in space three times and I have gotten used to the diet. The crewmembers are offered excellent Russian, American and European menus. A space truck has already delivered cargo to the ISS, including food made in Japanese the tradition. I think all the guys aboard the station will try Japanese food," he said.
It is important for Japan that its citizen will be the ISS commander, Wakata also said. "This will allow our space agency to develop skills in planning and in running the international space station," he said.
A Soyuz-FG carrier rocket with the manned Soyuz TMA-11M is to lift off from Baikonur at 8:14 a.m. Moscow time on November 7 and fly to the ISS. The main crew is comprised of Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin, American astronaut Richard Mastracchio and Wakata.
